Ghana

Accra, Ghana is like most port cities in developing nations, which is to say hot, choking, congested and functioning on an urban plan that will not make sense to most Western minds. Riding a bike there can be a wonderful adventure or a new definition of hell. Perspective is a beautiful thing.

The roads themselves are predominantly in disrepair and filthy and therefore not much different than cities everywhere. However, there are also no demarked lanes, not many traffic signals and almost zero semblance of any road rules that you or I would find familiar. Want to merge? You merge. Want to turn, just do it. In a hurry? Use the oncoming lanes if they’re empty. Signaling, right of way, stopping, these are petty inconveniences mainly ignored by the average motorized Ghanaian. (continued)